For years, it was known as one of the happening spots. Every week, people from all over San Diego would pack The Magic Lounge — a cool, magic-themed bar where employees would pull double duty as bartenders and magicians. Eventually, the place shut down. But now, that same core group of magicians who performed some 30 years ago at the Magic Lounge are back. This time, they’re entertaining crowds at the new Magic Lounge at the Rock Bottom in the Gaslamp Quarter.

According to magician Terry Lunceford, the deal was in the works for months and finally came to fruition in January. The magic shows are held at 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and feature local magicians Mike Stilwell, Joe Mystic, Terry Lunceford and other guest performers. It’s a nice mix of close-up magic and a stand-up show.

“Performing in San Diego is absolutely amazing. Every day, I get up and think about how I get to do magic. It’s an awesome feeling,” Lunceford said.

Although the show is relatively new, it’s definitely gaining momentum.

“It was standing room only at our last show,” Lunceford said.

David Pease has seen the show twice and said he can’t wait to go back.

“It’s a wonderful break from reality. The show is fresh and always changing. It’s top-notch entertainment for only $10 per person,” Pease said.

One tip: if you want a good seat, come at 7 p.m. when the doors open because it does fill up fast. www.magiclounge.weebly.com

• We may be getting older but one thing that hasn’t changed is our appreciation for live music. The challenge, however, is that many shows don’t start until 10 p.m. or later, which can be tough if you’re an early riser. One option worth checking out is The Mystique Band, which specializes in soul, rock and other great tunes that hit a nerve. This month, the group has two gigs in Little Italy and they start before 10 p.m. On Feb. 14 from 8 p.m. to midnight, they’ll play at Spaghettaria, 1953 India St. On Feb. 4, 11 and 12, the show kicks off at 9 p.m. at Po Pazzo on 1917 India St.

The band’s playlist includes songs by The Temptations, Al Green and Marvin Gaye.

“Our songs will take you down memory lane. When we perform, I will often go into the crowd and serenade the ladies, get them started, and the dancing usually takes off from there,” said band leader Kevin Smith.

Love is in the air in the EV!

Attend the East Village Valentine’s Day Drink About on Sunday, Feb 13 from

4 to 9 p.m. and e-mail us a photo of you, one of the bartenders and a unique bottle of tequila from the bar. The most colorful picture will win two tickets to a Saturday Amazing Race Adventure downtown. E-mail the fun picture with your name and the bartender’s name to tours@wheretours.com. For more information on the Valentine’s Day event, visit www.eastvillagesandiego.com.

— Marc and Darlynne Menkin are the co-owners of Where You Want To Be Tours. Many of their tours and teambuilding scavenger hunts feature secret downtown areas. www.wheretours.com

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